Sump extension assembly for preventing suction entrapment

ABSTRACT

The invention relates in one embodiment to an extension for a sump assembly covering a main drain of a swimming pool or spa that prevents suction entrapment. More specifically, the invention relates to a sump extension having a frame, a plate defining a plurality of openings and positioned on the frame, a removable cross channel extending across the upper end of the frame, and a cover plate positioned on the frame substantially adjacent to the plate. In another embodiment the invention relates to a sump assembly for a main drain of a swimming pool or spa, and more specifically, to a sump assembly having a sump, a conduit passing through the sump, a frame, a plate defining openings and positioned on the frame, a removable cross channel extending across the upper end of the frame, and a cover plate positioned on the frame substantially adjacent to the plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an extension for a sump assembly that covers a main drain of a swimming pool or spa and prevents suction entrapment. More specifically, the invention relates to a sump extension (20) having a frame (25) and at least one plate (30) (also referred to herein as a grate (30)) defining a plurality of openings (32) for receiving water flowing into the sump and that is positioned on the frame (25).

As configured, the sump extension (20) increases the area through which water may flow to the sump, facilitates attachment to sumps of various sizes, permits ready access to the sump and associated conduits (60), and permits mounting such that the frame (25) and plate (30) are flush with a surface of the pool or spa. Moreover, the sump extension (20) reduces the velocity of water flowing through the assembly, uniformly distributes a suction force created by the water flow in the sump, and by preventing a vortex of flowing water above the assembly, the sump extension assembly provides anti-entanglement features to minimize the likelihood of an individual becoming entrapped on the assembly by a suction force produced by a pump in the pool or spa filtering system. In other words, the sump extension increases the amount of water flowing through the sump extension (20) yet reduces the flow rate and provides safety features mandated by federal law.

The Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act became effective on Dec. 20, 2008. The Act addresses two key issues, namely the manufacture, import, and sale of suction outlet fittings (i.e., drain fittings and covers), and entrapment avoidance systems in public pools and spas. The Act requires the following: (1) on or after Dec. 20, 2008 all suction outlet fittings and covers made, imported, or sold in the United States must be certified to comply with ASME/ANSI A 112.19.8 (2007 version); (2) as of Dec. 20, 2008 all public pools and spas, both new and existing, must be equipped with certified covers on every suction outlet; and (3) as of Dec. 20, 2008, every public pool and spa, new and existing, that has a single outlet, other than an unblockable outlet, must employ one or more additional safety features set forth in the Act.

The Act resulted from an increasing number of deaths and accidents involving pools and spas. There is an annual average of 283 drowning deaths (2003-2005) and 2,700 emergency room treated submersion injuries (2005-2007) in the United States involving children younger than five years of age in pools and spas. From 1997 to 2007, there were 74 reported incidents associated with suction entrapment including nine deaths and 63 injuries. The new Act is aimed at reducing the deaths and injuries by making pools safer, securing the environment around them, and educating consumers and industry on pool safety.

Accordingly, the present invention addresses the requirement for a cover and sump assembly that satisfies new federal regulations and prevents suction entrapment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises in one embodiment a hollow frame (25) having an upper and lower end (27, 28) and defining a channel extending about an inner perimeter thereof, at least one plate, or grate (30), defining a plurality of openings (32) for directing a flow of water into the hollow frame (25), at least one removable cross channel (26) extending across at least a portion of the upper end (28) of the frame (25) and into the channel such that the cross channel (26) is removably secured to sides of the frame (25), and optionally at least one cover plate (55) for preventing a flow of water into the frame (25). As configured, the sump extension facilitates attachment to sumps of various sizes, permits ready access to a sump and associated conduits, permits mounting such that the frame (25) and the plate (30) are flush with a surface of a pool or spa, maximizes the flow of water passing through the sump extension, reduces the velocity of water flowing through the sump extension, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to the sump extension assembly.

The invention comprises in another embodiment a sump assembly for a drain having a sump for collecting water, a first conduit (60) passing through an opening in the sump and having at least one flange, a hollow frame (25) having an upper and lower end (27, 28) and defining a channel extending about an inner perimeter thereof, at least one plate (30) defining a plurality of openings (32) for directing a flow of water into the hollow frame, at least one removable cross channel (26) extending across at least a portion of the upper end (28) of the frame (25) and into the channel such that the cross channel (26) is removably secured to sides of the frame, and optionally at least one cover plate (55) for preventing a flow of water into the frame. As configured, the sump assembly facilitates attachment to sumps of various sizes, permits ready access to a sump and associated conduits, permits mounting such that the frame (25) and the plate are flush with a surface of a pool or spa, maximizes the flow of water passing through the sump extension, reduces the velocity of water flowing through the sump extension, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to the sump extension assembly.

As used herein, the term “sump” refers to a reservoir serving as a drain for water in a swimming pool or spa that forms part of the pumping and filtering system. As used herein, the term “diameter” refers to the maximum distance between any pair of points on a structure, and in the present invention the diagonal length of a square or frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention and the manner in which the same are accomplished will become clearer based on the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (FIGS. 1-3) in which various embodiments of the invention are depicted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

In one embodiment the invention encompasses a sump extension assembly (20) for a main drain of a swimming pool comprising a hollow frame (25), at least one plate or grate (30) positioned on the frame (25) for directing water into the hollow frame (25), at least one removable cross channel (26) extending across a portion of the upper end (28) of the frame (25) and removably secured to sides of the frame (25), and optionally, a cover plate (55) for preventing water from entering the hollow frame (25). Advantageously, the sump extension assembly increases the area through which water flows into the sump.

In one embodiment, the upper surface of the plate is rendered flush with a bottom surface of a pool or spa. More specifically, the sump extension assembly (20) is secured to the upper portions of a sump and concrete is poured in the appropriate shape around the perimeter of the frame (25) such that the lower portion or edge (27) of the frame (25) is flush with the bottom surface of the pool.

The hollow frame (25) has an upper end (28) and a lower end (27). In one embodiment the upper end (28) and lower end (27) of the frame (25) is substantially rectangular in shape. In one embodiment the uppermost diameter of the frame is greater than the lowermost diameter of the frame. In yet another embodiment the uppermost diameter of the frame is greater than the maximum diameter of the drain conduit (60). As configured, the frame (25) separates the plate (30) from the drain at a desired distance. In other words, the frame (25) increases the distance between the bottom of the plate (30) and the suction port of the sump, thereby exceeding the minimum distance required to satisfy ASTM 112 guidelines.

The upper end (28) of the frame (25) defines a channel extending about an inner perimeter of the frame (25) into which ends of the cross channel (26) extend. Accordingly, the cross channel (26) is secured to and removed from the frame (25) by rotating the cross channel (26) about its mid-point along a plane substantially coplanar with respect to upper edges (28) of the frame (25).

It will be understood that one or more plates (30) (and/or cover plates (55)) may be positioned over an opening on the frame (25) (i.e., on a portion of the upper end (28) of the frame (25)) depending upon the dimensions of the frame (25) as determined by the dimensions of the main drain. The plate defines a plurality of openings (32) directing a flow of water into the hollow frame (25). The openings in the hollow frame (25) and plate (30) permit water to flow from a pool or spa into a sump and throughout the pumping and filtering system of the pool or spa. Stated differently, the pumping and filtering system creates a suction force that draws water from the pool through the sump extension (20) into the sump and then through the conduits (60) forming the pumping and filtering system.

It will also be understood that at least one cross channel (26) may be positioned across the upper end (28) of the frame (25) depending upon the dimensions of the frame (25) as determined by the dimensions of the main drain. The removable cross channel (26) extends across at least a portion of the upper end (28) of the frame (25) and is removably secured to sides of the frame (25). The cross channel (26) is positioned substantially between portions of the frame (25) and plate such that the cross channel (26) provides support for the plate (30). Depending upon the desired dimensions of the frame, the cross channel (26) permits the use of multiple modular, or removable plates (65) and cover plates (55) required to cover the opening of one or more frames (25). Accordingly, the plates/grates (30), cover plates (55), and removable plates (60) can be manufactured in a uniform size thereby increasing manufacturing efficiencies.

As configured, the sump extension assembly (20) facilitates attachment to sumps of various sizes, permits ready access to a sump and associated conduits, permits mounting such that said frame and said at least one plate is flush with a surface of a pool or spa, maximizes the flow of water passing through said sump extension, reduces the velocity of water flowing through said sump extension, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to said sump extension assembly.

In one embodiment, the frame (25), plate or grate (30), cover plate (55), and removable plate (60) are substantially rectangular in shape. It will be understood, however, that the frame (25) and various plates (30, 55, 60) may be any number of shapes that meet the objective of preventing suction entrapment.

As depicted in the figures, the openings (32) in the plate (30) are substantially oblong. It will be understood, however, that the openings (32) may be any number of shapes (33) that permit the flow of water and achieve the desired results of reducing the velocity of the flowing water and preventing the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to the cover assembly. In one embodiment, the openings (32) measure 0.25 inches in width by 1.75 inches in length. Advantageously, the width is less than the maximum of 0.375 inches allowed without being subject to the finger test under the ASME A112 CERTIFICATION PROTOCOL required by law. This size prevents an individual from passing portions of a finger through the openings (32) and becoming trapped under water at a main drain. Further, the pattern of openings (32) on the plate (30) provides sufficient area to create a non-slip finish, thereby minimizing the likelihood of an individual slipping on cover assemblies positioned several feet below the surface of the water and causing injury. Furthermore, the size of the openings (30) in the sump extension (20) lessens the likelihood of hair entanglement which could lead to drowning. Specifically, the relatively small width of the openings (32) reduces the likelihood of hair entanglement. The openings (32) are formed in the plate, or grate (30), by a press, whereby the exterior sides of the openings are smooth and slightly beveled.

The frame, plate, and cover plate of the sump extension assembly each define at least one screw opening (37) for receiving a fastener. The screw openings (37) are correspondingly aligned with one another to permit any number of fasteners to secure the plate (30) to the crown (35) of the frame (25) over the larger opening. In one embodiment, fasteners include exposed security screws that require removal be accomplished with a specialized tool, thereby providing an enhanced safety feature. Stated differently, an individual in the pool will not be able to readily remove the plate and cover plate from the frame absent a tool.

In another embodiment, the sump extension assembly includes at least one cover plate (55) for preventing a flow of water into the hollow frame (25). The cover plate (55) may be positioned substantially adjacent to one of the plates (30) on the frame (25) such that the cover plate (55) and plate/grate (30) are substantially coplanar with respect to one another. It will be understood that in one embodiment the cover plate (55) is substantially rectangular and substantially solid (i.e., absent openings).

Advantageously, the addition of a cover plate (55) substantially adjacent to (i.e., substantially above) one or more conduits (60) extending into the sump from the filtration system increases the distance between the suction port at the conduit (60) and the plate (30) for directing water into the hollow frame (25) (see Figures). In other words, an operator can add any number of plates, cover plates, and removable plates (30, 55, 65) to the frame (25) to increase the distance between the suction port and plate, thereby decreasing the velocity of the water flowing into the sump and providing the required 1.5×diameter opening distance from the grate to the top of the suction port. By doing so, the likelihood of a vortex forming above the cover plate is reduced and hence suction entrapment is minimized if not eliminated.

The sump extension assembly (20) is designed to provide the maximum area available to ensure low velocity of water flow through the plate and frame, respectively. The novel sump extension assembly (20) ensures that the water flow velocity does not exceed 1.5 feet/second as mandated by design standards. The sump extension assembly (20) maximizes the area for water flow and lowers the velocity of water moving through openings in the frame and plate. The reduction of the water flow through the sump reduces the velocity across the plate/grate (30) and reduces potential hair entanglements and prevents human entrapment risks associated with main drains.

The sump extension design allows the installer to put a larger plate/grate (30) over a smaller sump to increase the open area of the plate/grate (30), thus lowering the velocity of water across the grate and eliminating the need of replacing or enlarging the existing sump.

When installed over a sump less than, for example, 18″×18″ or 24″×24″, the ratio of the open area of the sump extension assembly (20) to the area within the sump increases, therefore reducing the velocity of water flow even further and providing the highest degree of safety while exceeding required standards.

The sump extension assembly (20) may be mounted to the pool wall or floor of the pool depending upon the location of the drain. In one embodiment, the frame (25) is formed from stainless steel and the plates (30, 55, 65) are formed from stainless steel. That said, the frame and plates may be made from any number of materials of sufficient strength and rigidity to satisfy regulatory guidelines. It will be understood, however, that the frame and plates may be formed from any number of materials providing sufficient strength as required by federal mandates.

The sump extension assembly (20) can be mounted on prefabricated sumps during new construction and on existing sumps during renovation. In one embodiment discussed herein, the sump extension assembly forms a part of a complete sump assembly including, among other elements, a sump, and an inlet pipe or conduit.

In another embodiment, the invention further provides a sump assembly for a drain having a sump for collecting water, and at least one conduit (60) passing through an opening in the sump and having at least one flange (45), in addition to the embodiment discussed above having a hollow frame (25), at least one plate or grate (30) positioned on the frame (25), at least one removable cross channel (26) extending across a portion of the upper end (28) of the frame (25) and removably secured to sides of the frame, and optionally a cover plate (55).

The sump defines at least one opening and has a flange (45) at an upper portion. The conduit (60) passes through an opening in the sump and includes at least one flange.

In this embodiment, the remaining elements (i.e., frame, plate or grate, removable cross channel, and cover plate) are described as set forth above. 

1. A sump extension assembly for a drain comprising: a hollow frame having an upper end and a lower end; at least one plate defining a plurality of openings for directing a flow of water into said hollow frame, said at least one plate positioned on at last a portion of said upper end of said frame; and at least one removable cross channel extending across at least a portion of said upper end of said frame and removably secured to sides of said frame, said cross channel positioned substantially between portions of said frame and said at least one plate such that said cross channel provides support for said at least one plate; wherein said frame separates said plate from the drain at a desired distance; and wherein said sump extension assembly reduces the velocity of water flowing through said sump extension, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to said sump extension assembly.
 2. The sump extension assembly according to claim 1 wherein: said upper end of said frame is substantially rectangular in shape; said lower end of said frame is substantially rectangular in shape; said at least one plate is substantially rectangular in shape; and said plurality of openings are substantially oblong.
 3. The sump extension assembly according to claim 1 wherein the uppermost diameter of said frame is greater than the lowermost diameter of said frame.
 4. The sump extension assembly according to claim 1, wherein the uppermost diameter of said frame is greater than the maximum diameter of said frame.
 5. The sump extension assembly according to claim 1 wherein said upper end of said frame defines a channel extending about an inner perimeter of said frame into which ends of said at least one cross channel extend such that said at least one cross channel is secured to and removed from said frame by rotating said at least one cross channel about its mid-point along a plane substantially coplanar with respect to upper edges of said frame.
 6. The sump extension assembly according to claim 1 wherein said frame is connected to a sump of the drain.
 7. The sump extension assembly according to claim 6 wherein the upper surface of said at least one plate is rendered flush with a bottom surface of a pool or spa.
 8. The sump extension assembly according to claim 1 further comprising at least one cover plate for preventing a flow of water into said frame, said at least one cover plate positioned substantially adjacent to said at least one plate, said at least one cover plate and said at least one plate substantially coplanar with respect to one another.
 9. The sump extension assembly according to claim 8 wherein said at least one cover plate is substantially rectangular and substantially solid.
 10. The sump extension assembly according to claim 8 wherein said frame, said at least one plate, and said at least one cover plate each define at least one opening for receiving a fastener such that said plate is removably secured to said frame, said openings corresponding with one another.
 11. A sump assembly for a drain comprising: a sump for collecting water, said sump defining at least one opening and having a flange at an upper portion; at least one conduit, said first conduit passing through one of said at least one openings in said sump; a hollow frame having an upper end and a lower end, said frame positioned on said flange of said sump; at least one plate defining a plurality of openings for directing a flow of water into said hollow frame, said at least one plate positioned on at last a portion of said upper end of said frame; and at least one removable cross channel extending across at least a portion of said upper end of said frame and removably secured to sides of said frame, said cross channel positioned substantially between portions of said frame and said at least one plate such that said cross channel provides support for said at least one plate; wherein said sump extension reduces the velocity of water flowing through said sump extension, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to said sump extension assembly.
 12. The sump assembly according to claim 11 wherein: said upper end of said frame is substantially rectangular in shape; said lower end of said frame is substantially rectangular in shape; said at least one plate is substantially rectangular in shape; and said plurality of openings are substantially oblong.
 13. The sump assembly according to claim 11 wherein the uppermost diameter of said frame is greater than the lowermost diameter of said frame.
 14. The sump assembly according to claim 11, wherein the uppermost diameter of said frame is greater than the maximum diameter of said frame.
 15. The sump assembly according to claim 11 wherein said upper end of said frame defines a channel extending about an inner perimeter of said frame into which ends of said at least one cross channel extend such that said at least one cross channel is secured to and removed from said frame by rotating said at least one cross channel about its mid-point along a plane substantially coplanar with respect to upper edges of said frame.
 16. The sump assembly according to claim 11 wherein said frame and said at least one plate each define at least one opening for receiving a fastener such that said plate is removably secured to said frame, said openings corresponding with one another.
 17. The sump assembly according to claim 11 wherein the upper surface of said at least one plate is rendered flush with a bottom surface of a pool or spa.
 18. The sump assembly according to claim 11 further comprising at least one cover plate for preventing a flow of water into said frame, said at least one cover plate positioned substantially adjacent to said at least one plate, said at least one cover plate and said at least one plate substantially coplanar with respect to one another.
 19. The sump assembly according to claim 18 wherein said at least one cover plate is substantially solid. 